Beverage dispensing system

ABSTRACT

A beverage dispensing system including at least one beverage container assembly. Each beverage container assembly includes a beverage container, a gas container, and a regulator cap assembly. The regulator cap assembly has a beverage coupler for receiving the beverage container and a gas coupler for receiving the gas container. The gas coupler includes a first channel which is connected to a regulator valve for regulating the gas through a second channel such that it fills the beverage container enabling the contents of the beverage container to flow out through an outlet valve.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to beverage dispensing systems.

Typically, beverages such as beer and soda are supplied to consumers incontainers including bottles and cans. A beverage such as beer may alsobe sold in containers such as barrels or kegs but hold only one varietyof beer at a time. Generally, individual consumers and establishmentsthat serve small quantities of beverages purchase these beverages inbottles and cans. In addition, although containers such as barrels orkegs that hold large quantities of beer are available, they requirelarge storage compartments and are difficult to maintain at a propertemperature.

Conventional beer dispensing systems use barrels or kegs requiring largeand bulky compressed gas containers for providing a source of pressurefor dispensing the beer. To dispense beer from a container such as abarrel or keg, a storage compartment is needed that is capable ofmaintaining the container at a proper temperature for extended periodsof time. These storage compartments are often large and cumbersome anduse cooling methods that are inefficient over long periods of time.

A further drawback of many conventional beer dispensing systems is thatthe shelf life for these beverages tends to be short once the containersare opened or tapped for dispensing. A beverage such as beer stored inbarrels or kegs that is not immediately consumed are often discarded ifnot maintained under proper pressure.

In addition, another problem associated with traditional beveragedispensing systems is that for the individual consumer or smallrestaurant proprietor, the selection of beverages is limited to a singlebarrel and a single selection which may lack appeal to consumers whoprefer a variety of beers.

SUMMARY

In general, according to one aspect, the invention features a beveragedispensing system that includes a refrigerate compartment for storing atleast one beverage container assembly. Each beverage container assemblyincludes a beverage container, a gas container, and a regulator capassembly. The regulator cap assembly includes a beverage coupler forreceiving the beverage container and a gas coupler for receiving the gascontainer. The gas coupler includes a first channel which is connectedto a regulator valve having a first end connected to the first channelthrough which the gas travels. The regulator valve also has a second endwhich is connected to a second channel through which the gas is allowedto travel such that the gas fills the beverage container enabling thecontents of the beverage container to flow out through an outlet valve.The beverage dispensing system also includes a controlling means forcontrolling the flow of a beverage between the outlet valve and adispensing nozzle.

Various aspects of the invention may include one or more of thefollowing features. The first coupler may have a threaded end forreceiving the gas container. The controlling means uses a solenoid tocontrol the flow of the beverage through the dispensing nozzle. Theoutlet valve may be a ball lock valve. The temperature within therefrigerated compartment can be maintained at a range of approximately38° to 40° Fahrenheit. The gas container may contain at least one of acarbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas at a pressure of approximately 1800pound square inch (psi).

The regulator valve may be a diaphragm regulator valve and may include ameans of adjusting the pressure of the gas that passes through theregulator valve. The regulator valve may be capable of regulating thegas in the first channel from approximately 1800 psi to approximately 0to 50 psi in the second channel.

The invention may provide one or more of the following advantages. Thebeverage dispensing system is capable of maintaining a proper pressurein a beverage container, when the beverage dispensing system is notproviding pressure to force the beverage out from the beveragecontainer. This can permit the freshness of the beverage in the beveragecontainer to be maintained for an extended period of time. The beveragedispensing system includes a refrigerated compartment that is capable ofholding at least one beverage container assembly at a propertemperature. The refrigerated compartment is able to maintain thisproper temperature within the compartment by using a low cost andcompact cooling system.

Each beverage container assembly includes a regulator cap assembly whichcan be directly coupled to a gas container without using an externalhose. This provides a low cost solution to maintaining a properenvironment for the beverage container. This also allows therefrigerated compartment to hold at least one beverage containerassembly since the size of each assembly is compact. The refrigeratedcompartment typically is able to contain 4 beverage container assemblieswhere each assembly includes a gas container, a regulator cap assembly,and a beverage container.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features andadvantages of the invention will be apparent from the description anddrawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a beveragedispensing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A represents a front view of an embodiment of a beveragedispensing system having a computer control panel according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of a computer control system according tothe present invention.

FIG. 3 is represents a cutaway view of a refrigerated compartment aspart of the beverage dispensing system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 represents a rear view of a beverage dispensing system accordingto the invention.

FIG. 5 represents a cutaway view of an interior of a refrigeratedcompartment as part of the beverage dispensing system shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 represents a side view of a beverage dispensing system accordingto the invention.

FIG. 7 represents a cutaway view of an interior of a refrigeratedcompartment of a beverage dispensing system shown in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8A-8E represents different views of a beverage dispensing nozzle.

FIGS. 9A-9E represents different views of a beverage dispensing nozzlewith hidden line detail.

FIG. 10 represents a perspective view of a beverage container assemblyaccording to the invention.

FIG. 11 represents a cross sectional view of a beverage containerassembly according to the invention.

FIG. 12 represents a perspective view of a beverage container assembly.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate different views of a beverage dispensing system 20according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the beveragedispensing system 20 includes a hinged compartment door 52 having a keylock 22 for preventing unauthorized access to the interior of arefrigerated compartment 21. Once the key lock 22 is unlocked or opened,a door handle 23 can be used to gain access to the interior of therefrigerated compartment 21.

Situated over the refrigerated compartment 21, is a vented base 24 whichallows airflow and heat to be dissipated through one or more vents 25and away from the beverage dispensing system 20. On top of the ventedbase 24, is a tower stand 27 that contains a beverage tower 28, abeverage selection panel housing 29, and a beverage selection panel 30.The beverage selection panel 30 contains a beverage name frame 31 andpush button beverage flow controls 32. Attached to the bottom of thebeverage selection panel housing 29 is a beverage dispensing nozzle 33from which beverages are dispensed. Each push button beverage flowcontrol 32 is associated with a particular beverage and provides a meansfor dispensing a beverage once a particular push button is depressed. Acup dispenser 26 is part of the vented base 24 and can be used to housecups for holding beverages when they are dispensed from the beveragedispensing nozzle 33.

FIG. 2A shows another embodiment of the beverage selection housing 29. Acomputerized beverage selection panel 34 is used to electronicallycontrol beverage dispensing. By pressing one of the push button beverageflow controls 35, a beverage is allowed to flow through the system andout through the beverage dispensing nozzle 33. A light emitting diode(LED) display 36 and a beverage name and quantity indicator 37communicate information such as, the name of the beverage being selectedand dispensed, the quantity of beverage remaining, and otherinformation. An alpha numeric keypad 38 provides a means for respondingto commands and for inputting information as necessary. A liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) touch screen can be substituted for the computerizedbeverage selection panel 34.

FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of a computer control system 100 that canexchange data and communicate with the computerized beverage selectionpanel 34. The computer control system 100 includes a central processingunit (CPU) 110 that is capable of executing programs stored in memory103. The programs include instructions for processing requests receivedfrom a consumer using the computerized beverage selection panel 34. Suchrequests include requests to dispense a beverage from a particularbeverage container. The programs also include instructions foroutputting information associated with the beverage dispensing system 20to the LED display 36 and the quantity indicator 37. Such informationcan include what type of beverage is being dispensed, what quantityremains in the beverage container, and other information.

By pressing one of the push button beverage flow controls 35, a beveragedispense request is generated. In response to the request, the CPU 110can check the quantity of beverage remaining and send a signal to apower relay 102 based on whether any beverage is available. In turn, thepower relay 102 sends a signal over an electrical connection 112 foractivating a corresponding solenoid valve 104. Activating the solenoidvalve 104 includes opening the valve and allowing a beverage to flowfrom a beverage container 82, through a hose 44, the solenoid valve 104,and out to the beverage dispensing nozzle 33. Deactivating the solenoidvalve 104 causes the valve to close thereby disabling the flow of thebeverage out to the beverage dispensing nozzle 33.

Each beverage container 82 is associated with a corresponding solenoidvalve 104, power relay 102, hose 44, and the beverage dispensing nozzle33. A power management unit (PMU) 108 is used to convert a standardexternal AC voltage source to the appropriate voltages for providingpower to the computer control system 100 and to other components of thebeverage dispensing system 20.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of FIG. 1 illustrating the interior 45 of therefrigerated compartment 21 which is capable of housing at least onebeverage container 82 containing a beverage 80. The refrigeratedcompartment 21 is able to maintain the temperature of the beveragecontainers 82 at approximately 40° Fahrenheit. The beverage container 82is coupled to a regulator cap 64 which is also used to couple to a gascontainer 92. A regulator valve 65 coupled to the regulator cap and isused to regulate the gas traveling from the gas container 92, throughthe regulator valve 65, and into the beverage container 82. The beverage80 in the beverage container 82 is allowed to flow out to a hose 44 froman outlet valve 68 that is coupled to the regulator cap 64. In turn, thehose 44 is connected to the beverage dispensing nozzle 33 through asolenoid valve 104. As discussed above, the electrical connection 112between the solenoid valve 104 and the computer control system 100 isused to control the state of the valve thereby controlling the flow ofthe beverage through the beverage dispensing system 20.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the beverage dispensing system 20. A cupdispenser assembly 46 is attached to the inside of the vented base 24. Apower cord and electrical outlet plug assembly 50 is connected to thePMU 108 which regulates and provides a voltage source for variouscomponents including the computer control system 100, a refrigeratormotor 48, a cooling refrigeration unit 47, and other components. Therefrigerator motor 48 provides the power for a pump that is used by arefrigeration condenser 49. These elements provide a means of coolingeach beverage container 82 in the refrigerated compartment 21. Alsovisible from the rear view is the beverage tower 28, and FIG. 5 is acutaway view of FIG. 4, illustrating the beverage tower opening 45.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the beverage dispensing system 20 with the door52 that is attached to the refrigerated compartment 21. Situated overthe refrigerated compartment 21 are the vented base 24, tower stand 27,beverage selection panel housing 29, and the condenser 49. FIG. 7 is acut way view of FIG. 6 showing the beverage tower opening 45 which isset back to the rear of the refrigerated compartment 21.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are detailed illustrations of the beverage dispensingnozzle 33. View A is a front view, view B a top view, view C a sideview, view D a rear view, and view E a bottom view. Each beverageselection indicator mark 55 has a unique color corresponding to abeverage outflow opening 54 and barbed hose fitting inflow 53.Additionally, each outlet valve 68 (FIG. 3) has a corresponding colorthat is related to the beverage outflow opening 54 and the barbed hosefitting inflow 53. The beverage dispensing nozzle 33 is attached to thebeverage selection panel housing 29 using a screw inserted in the screwopening and housing mount 56. The barbed hose fitting inflow 53 is theconnection point where the hose 44 from the solenoid valve 104 isattached, and thus permitting the flow of beverage through the barbedhose fitting outflow channel 58, down through the nozzle outflow channel59 and exiting the nozzle opening 60.

FIG. 10 illustrates a beverage container assembly 61 that includes apartial view of a gas container 92 having compressed gas 90. The gascontainer 92 is coupled to a gas coupler 63 which in turn is coupledinto the body of the regulator cap 64. The gas container 92, the gascoupler 63, and the regulator cap 64 can all be coupled together usingvarious coupling means such as threaded construction. Coupled into a topportion of the body of the regulator cap 64 is a regulator valve 65. Theregulator valve 65 includes a regulating means 66 for regulating the gasflow from the gas container 92 and into the beverage container 82. Anoutlet valve 68 is coupled to the regulator cap body 64. The outletvalve 68 can be a ball lock valve and can have a threaded means forcoupling to the body of the regulator cap 64. The regulator cap body 64can be coupled onto the top portion of the beverage container 84 using abeverage coupler 93. The beverage coupler 93 can be implemented using,for example, a threaded means such as a threaded recess portion at thebottom of the regulator cap 64.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 10. The interior of the gascontainer 92 can contain compressed gas 90 at a pressure up toapproximately 1800 psi. A burst disk 70 prevents any premature ruptureof the gas container 92 should it be subjected to extreme conditionssuch as elevated temperatures or physical damage. The gas container 92includes a needle valve assembly that prevents the compressed gas 90from escaping when it is not in use such as when it is not coupled toanother device. The ball lock valve 68 includes a stopper 68 a, a spring68 b, a collar 68 c and a threaded portion 68 d for coupling to theoutlet valve coupling 79. The stopper 68 a is shown in the closedposition preventing liquid from flowing out from the ball lock valve 68.On the other hand, when the ball lock valve 68 is coupled to acorresponding hose 44 (See FIG. 3), the stopper 68 a is moved to an openposition allowing liquid to flow out from the ball lock valve 68.

When the gas container 92 is coupled into the gas coupler 63, a raisedportion of a pressure bottle coupling 71 depresses the needle valveassembly allowing the compressed gas 90 to escape into a first channel72. The compressed gas 90, which is unregulated, travels from the firstchannel 72, through a diaphragm pressure regulator 73 (which is part ofthe regulator valve 65), where it is regulated using a regulating means66 such as a regulator knob. The gas pressure is reduced down to apressure of approximately 0 to 50 psi. The compressed gas 90 travelsthrough a second channel 74 which carries the gas which is nowregulated. The regulated gas is released into the beverage container 82where it comes into contact with the beverage 80 and provides a downwardforce on the beverage enabling the beverage to flow through the beverageoutflow straw 75. From the beverage outflow straw 75, the beveragetravels through the outlet port 77, the outlet valve coupling 79 andthen out the outlet valve 68. The outlet valve coupling 79 and theoutlet valve 68 can be coupled to the body of the regulator cap 64 wherethe outlet port 77 is located.

By using a gas container 92 filled with different gases 90, such ascarbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen, or a combination of both, carbonatedbeverages in the beverage containers 82 can be maintained at propercarbonation levels and thereby increase the freshness period of thebeverages. In addition, non-carbonated beverages that use nitrogen canmaintain freshness levels for extended periods of time. By utilizingthese gases 90, an anaerobic environment is maintained thus greatlyreducing spoilage and increasing the shelf life of the beverages.

FIG. 12 illustrates a beverage container assembly 61 including a gascontainer 92, a beverage container 82, and a regulator cap assembly 94.The regulator cap assembly 94 includes a gas coupler 63, a beveragecoupler 93, a regulator valve 65, and an outlet valve 68. The beveragecontainer 82 is capable of holding different beverages 80 depending onthe height of the beverage container 82 since the diameter of thebeverage container is a standard size. The lower portion of the beveragecontainer 86 is reinforced to prevent breakage. Each beverage container82 can be constructed of standard materials such aspolyethylene-terephthalate, stainless steel, or other standardmaterials. Each beverage container 82 is capable of holding any beverage80 including any combination of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beveragessuch as water, beer, juice, or other beverages.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the beverage dispensing system 20 can be adapted to house anddispense from various combinations of beverage containers 82 such asfour standard size beverage containers, six smaller sized beveragecontainers, or other combinations. Accordingly, other embodiments arewithin the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A regulator cap assembly comprising: a beveragecoupler for receiving a beverage container for holding a beverage; a gascoupler for receiving a gas container for holding compressed gas,wherein the gas coupler includes a first channel; and a regulator valvehaving a first end connected to the first channel through which thecompressed gas travels, and the regulator valve having a second endconnected to a second channel through which the compressed gas isallowed to travel such that the compressed gas fills the beveragecontainer enabling the beverage in the beverage container to flow outthrough an outlet valve, wherein the regulator valve includes aregulating knob for regulating the pressure of the compressed gas thatpasses through the regulator valve.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe gas coupler uses a threaded means for receiving the gas container.3. The system of claim 1, wherein the beverage coupler uses a threadedmeans for receiving the beverage container.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the outlet valve is a ball lock valve.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the regulator valve is a diaphragm regulator valve.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the regulator valve regulates the compressedgas in the first channel from approximately 1800 psi to approximately 0to 50 psi in the second channel.
 7. A beverage dispensing systemcomprising: at least one beverage container assembly, wherein eachbeverage container assembly comprises: a beverage container for holdinga beverage, gas container for holding compressed gas, and a regulatorcap assembly comprising: a beverage coupler for receiving the beveragecontainer, a gas coupler for receiving the gas container, wherein thegas coupler includes a first channel, a regulator valve having a firstend connected to the first channel through which the compressed gastravels, and a second end connected to a second channel through whichthe compressed gas is allowed to travel, such that the compressed gasfills the beverage container enabling the beverage in the beveragecontainer to flow out through an outlet valve, wherein the regulatorvalve includes a regulating knob for regulating the pressure of thecompressed gas that passes through the regulator valve; a refrigeratedcompartment for housing each beverage container assembly; and acontrolling means for controlling the flow of the beverage between theoutlet valve and a beverage dispensing nozzle.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the gas coupler uses a threaded means for receiving the gascontainer.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the beverage coupler uses athreaded means for receiving the beverage container.
 10. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the controlling means controls the flow of the beverageusing a solenoid valve.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the outletvalve is a ball lock valve.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein thetemperature within the refrigerated compartment is maintained atapproximately 40° Fahrenheit.
 13. The system of claim 7, wherein theregulator valve is a diaphragm regulator valve.
 14. The system of claim7, wherein the regulator valve regulates the compressed gas in the firstchannel from approximately 1800 psi to approximately 0 to 50 psi in thesecond channel.
 15. The system of claim 7, wherein the gas containercontains at least one of a carbon dioxide gas and nitrogen gas at apressure of approximately 1800 psi.